Project 1.2 participated in Operation Plumbbob in order to proof test prototype air blast instrumentation for Operation Hardtack and to train personnel in handling this experiment under field conditions. The air blast systems consisted of (1) parachute-supported canisters containing self recording mechanical pressure gages that were deployed by means of rockets and (2) balloon supported pressure instrumentation. Four fully instrumented rockets were fired successfully. With the exception of one, the rockets performed satisfactorily. The fourth rocket functioned normally through parachute deployment, at which time the after body over rode the parachute and became entangled, causing an abnormally fast rate of descent. In spite of the malfunction, a pressure record was obtained. This type of malfunction can be corrected. The test of the balloon system was limited as a result of the pretest loss of three of the four balloons. The limited experiment (one balloon was flown at a height of 200 feet above the surface supporting one gage at an altitude of 25 feet) was successful. However, in light of the experience gained, it is apparent this system must be modified. The load supported by the balloons must be reduced. The pressure and recording equipment were used with both the balloon and rocket systems. Pressure-time records were obtained in all cases except one. In one of the rockets a pressure record was not obtained, due to a failure in the electrical system. There were several defects noted in the system, none of which are considered serious. The general performance of the system was satisfactory. It was concluded that the basic design was sound.


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    Title :

    Operation Plumbbob: Field Test of a System for Measuring Blast Phenomena by Airborne Gages


    Contributors:
    P. Hanlon (author) / S. E. Cooper (author) / J. S. Ives (author) / G. S. Scholl (author)

    Publication date :

    1957


    Size :

    30 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English